Winning Run to continue in 2025 Pakenham Cup
Black Run entered the spring without an Australian win on his résumé, but that has changed in a hurry, with three straight victories convincing trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald to give the gelding his chance in higher company.
The son of Nathaniel is one of 22 nominations for Saturday’s $300,000 Pakenham Cup, a notable rise after his recent run of success.
His streak includes two impressive Caulfield wins over 2400m and a solid benchmark 78 triumph over 2000m at Randwick earlier in the month. Annabel Archibald said the gelding’s consistency made the Listed 2500m test a worthy target.
“I’m not sure what else is going there, so he might be a little bit out of the handicap, but I think 2500 will be ideal and he’s a very genuine horse,” she said.
“Ryan Houston will stick with him. He’s been riding out of his skin and seems to have a nice affinity with this horse.”
Houston, unable to use his apprentice claim in the Cup, has partnered Black Run in both of his Caulfield successes, while Tom Marquand steered him home at Randwick.
Marquand also guided the gelding to his maiden victory at Goodwood in October 2023, a run that preceded his only stakes start—the Group 3 Prix Noailles (2100m) at Longchamp.
Black Run finished sixth that day behind Calandagan, who has since captured the Japan Cup and become the world’s leading staying horse.
The Archibalds also have Firm Agreement and Naval College nominated for the Cup.
Firm Agreement is a possible back-up runner from the Ballarat Cup, while Naval College is dual-nominated for the Listed Christmas Cup at Randwick.
Smokin’ Romans is expected to top the Pakenham Cup weights, with Zipping Classic placegetters Etna Rosso and Alenquer, as well as South Australian Derby runner-up Statuario, adding depth to the field.
The meeting also features the $1m The Supernova, drawing 14 runners including Group 1 winners Private Eye, Here To Shock and Pinstriped.
To compare Pakenham Cup and Supernova odds, punters can visit Australia’s top betting sites.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...